10 Best Portable Headphone Amps in 2019

Enhance the sound performances and bass outputs of your headphones if you have high-quality headsets or IEMs that need a more significant source to drive them with a portable headphone amp instead of using your PCs and mobile device outputs. There are varieties of these amps on the market, but each has its peculiar features and qualities differentiating it from all others. We have made a careful review of 10 best portable headphone amps in 2018 to enable you to choose the one that suits your listening pleasure and experience.

This system will also help to boost and upgrade your auditory skills and experience from regular headsets as it circumvents your laptop and mobile device’s internal audio motherboard or circuitry by functioning as a separate digital soundcard, processing audio signals and increasing your sound output radically. The functionality of your headphone​​​​sis limited without a dedicated headphone amp that can make the acoustics of your music better, more vibrant, and more engaging for greater listenership.

FiiO E12 Mont Blanc Portable Headphone Amplifier is made of aluminum body material and capable of withstanding abrasions, wear and tear, thereby enhancing its durability. With a laptop, you can charge this device within three hours as it has a large capacity Lithium polymer battery that can provide +/- 11 volts. Moreover, the total output power is about 850 megawatts. It has a USB smart-charge motherboard or electric circuit that can enable you to charge it using a PC, laptop, tablet, and phones. Mont Blanc can drive high-impedance headphones such as planar magnetic models with bass boost features.

Nobsound NS-08E Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier is a mini audio hi-fi stereo headphone amp explicitly made for the audiophiles to offer them the sound quality they crave to experience. The newest preamp is B07719G56B, which suits perfectly for this amp and ideal for replacing the vacuum tube if you want, else the device may be defective. You may also consider other replacement vacuum tubes such as 6ж9П, EF861, 6688, and EI80F. Additionally, you will need input and output audio jack measuring about 3.5 mm.

This Mini Audio HiFi Stereo Headphone Amp can power high-end headsets like HD 650, HD 580, HD 600, Q 701, K 702, K 701 and many others. Low-quality earphones are not suitable to be used with this amp due to reduced resistance and high sensitivity.

Main Features

This device can power high-performance headphones such as HD 600, K 701, HD 580, K 702, HD 650, Q 701, and many others.

The vacuum tubes are lit from inside by blue LEDs and not the same as the advertised picture.

The power cord is too short, and users may need an extension socket to connect it to their desktops.

Nobsound NS-08E Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier is made for audiophiles that want to enjoy high-quality music or want to produce their unique sounds using the headphone stereo amp. It is user-friendly and worth buying.

This Portable Headphone Amplifier is suitable for headsets ranging from 16 to 150 Ohms. You need to match output power to headphone voltage needs to avoid causing defects to the system. With OPA1642 preamp and AD8397 amp section, which are high-quality components of this headphone amplifier, you can experience superior sound effects and features. The audio output can be increased with 3.5 dB at 60 Hz through a discreet bass boost circuit, and it can use a Lithium polymer battery functioning for 16 hours at 1400mAh. Moreover, the body material and chassis are made of aluminum making it durable and sturdy capable of withstanding EM interferences.

Main Features

You will get superior sound quality due to high-grade components and exclusive design.

It has a Lithium-ion battery that works consistently for 16 hours.

The headphone has a robust aluminum body and chassis protecting it against EM interference.

With this bass boost circuit, you can increase sound output by 3.5 dB at 60 Hz.

Benefits

FiiO A3 Portable Headphone Amplifier is made of aluminum body and chassis making it reliable, robust, and capable of withstanding EM interferences.

You will experience superior sound effects and features because it has high-quality components such as OPA1642 preamp and AD8397 amp section.

This amplifier is suitable for headphones ranging from 16 to 150 Ohms.

What We Like about This Product

One of the useful features we love about this headphone amplifier is that it is made of aluminum body material and chassis making it strong, durable, and able to withstand electromagnetic interferences also called radio frequency interference.

Pros

It functions with a Lithium polymer battery that can last for 16 hours.

The device can increase your sound output by 3.5 dB at 60 Hz.

This portable headphone amplifier is easy to use.

Cons

Electromagnetic interferences (EMI) from phones make the sound to crackle and buzz.

FiiO A3 Portable Headphone Amplifier is made for persons willing to experience superior audio features with a high-quality headset amp. It is user-friendly and worth buying.

This portable headphone amplifier with dual outputs and 2-Level boost is ideal for anyone willing to improve the sound quality of their headsets and have quality listening experience. M-Audio Bass Traveler Headphone Amp functions with a pair of the 1/8-inch headphone jack to enable you to listen to your favourite melodies and even share it with someone else. You can boost the signal level using the two-level gain switch making the acoustics crystal-clear. However, this amp can be used with all headphones having output power ranging from 16 Ohms to 100 Ohms to give you more bass and full performance of the device.

There is a LED indicator for low battery, battery charging, and Power ON. M-Audio Bass Amp has a built-in Lithium polymer battery that can last for eight hours and you can recharge the system using the micro-USB port. Additionally, there is a rotary ON / OFF volume control making it convenient for you to regulate the sound correctly to your advantage.

Main Features

It has a built-in rechargeable Lithium polymer battery.

There is a micro-USB port for charging the battery with a LED indicator for low battery, Power ON, and battery charging.

The device is compatible with low-impedance earbuds from 16 Ohms to 100 Ohms for professional, high-impedance headsets.

The amplifier can drive two sets of headphones.

Benefits

With the two-level gain switch, you can boost the signal level and enjoy perfect sounds.

The dual 1/8-inch headphone outputs give two persons the opportunity to listen to music simultaneously.

The 1/8-inch input promotes a faster and easier connection to your digital devices.

The 3-position boost control, which is high, medium, and flat, enhances audio output to counterbalance the fluctuations of headphone impedance.

M-Audio Bass Traveler Headphone Amplifier is compatible with low impedance headsets from 16 Ohms to 100 Ohms for professional quality and high impedance headsets.

What We Like about this Portable Headphone

What we love about this portable headphone amp is the 3-position boost control, which is high, medium, and flat and made to improve sound quality and output to counteract and balance varying headphone impedances and deliver the desired acoustic effects to you.

Pros

It has a built-in polymer battery that can last for eight hours.

There is a micro-USB port for battery charging.

M-Audio Bass Traveler Headphone Amp has a LED indicator for power ON, low battery, and battery charging.

Cons

The device has no volume boost.

After a short time, the audio port can go dead.

This portable headphone amplifier is made for travellers, hikers, backpackers, and everyone desiring to enjoy great tunes while on a voyage. M-Audio Bass headset amp is worth buying because it is user-friendly.

Creative Sound Blaster E1 Portable Headphone Amplifier with Integrated Mic and Dual Headphone Jacks is the ideal choice if you are tired of selecting specific headphone impedances to suit your system perfectly and enjoy music on the go. You can use it for headsets with impedances of about 600 Ohms and with this setup; you can use any headphone and receive a high-level audio effect that you have never experienced.

The audio fidelity of this headset is 106 dBs, the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) enables you to enjoy the quality and melodious tunes, not noise. You can communicate over the phone using the built-in microphone, and you can also activate the CrystalVoice technology if you are connected to your PCs and Macs through the USB. This new technology is a suite of enhancements that reduces noise and ensures more explicit conversations. Sound Blaster E1 is lightweight and portable. Moreover, you can share your music with others as it has two headphone output jacks and the sound quality remains the same, no compromise in any way.

Main Features

There is a high-quality powered headphone splitter enabling you to share music with a friend without losing the quality.

The Crystal Voice presents state-of-the-art technological achievements that can offer you the best vocal fidelity on your PC or Mac.

This headset has SBX Pro Studio audio suite that can promote the sound quality of your PC or Mac using bass expansion, on-the-fly dynamic range improvement, and the award-winning virtual surround.

It has a built-in mono microphone that can allow users to receive calls if they are connected to smartphones, clear communications for games and Skype calls on PCs and Macs.

Benefits

Two headphone output jacks are enabling you to share your music with others without compromising the sound quality.

After a full charge, Sound Blaster can offer you 25 hours of continuous high-quality music playtime.

This headphone amp is useful for headsets with impedances of about 600 Ohms meaning that you can use it with any headset and enjoy high fidelity sound.

Enjoy the innovative features of CrystalVoice designed exclusively to offer you clear communications using the phone on your PC or Mac.

What We Like about This Product

What we love about this headphone amp is that you can use it for headsets with impedances of about 600 Ohms meaning that virtually all kinds of headsets can use it and produce your desired melody. This is a useful value for the price of the earphone amp.

Pros

There is the SBX Pro Studio audio suite capable of enhancing audio for your Mac or PC with bass expansion, on-the-fly-dynamic range improvement, and the award-winning virtual surround.

A built-in mono microphone enables you to take calls if you are connected to a smartphone and communicate using Skype calls on PCs and Macs.

It also has a built-in Lithium-ion battery that can serve you for several hours.

Cons

Using the USB DAC connection to play music features distortions and lifeless sounds.

When there is no audio playing, you will hear popping and clicking sounds like switching ON / OFF, which could be irritating.

There is no audible notification to tell when the battery is low.

Creative Sound Blaster E1 Amplifier is made for individuals that want to enjoy clear and distinct high fidelity sounds using their headphones, as it is useful for all kinds of headsets with impedances of about 600 Ohms. The amp is user-friendly and worth buying.

Are looking for a headphone distribution amplifier, with professional specifications in a small package at an affordable fee? Pyle-Pro PHA40 4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier is a useful device that has four headset outputs on the front panel to help you control the system entirely. A 12 V / 150 mA DC power supply is included in the package and stereo headphone 1/4 –inch TRS output jacks that can deliver high-quality sound from your device. The LED indicator signifies you when the system is Powered ON and helps you to regulate the stereo headphone output levels.

This headset amp is ideal for musical productions in the studio at least for mixing sounds. On the other hand, you may use it for practicing with others and an excellent choice if you want to listen to musicals with your headset without disturbing others.

Main Features

This stereo headphone has Power ON LED indicator.

There are 1/4 -inch TRS output Jacks.

It has 12V / 150 mA DC power supply included in the pack.

Benefits

This headphone amp is ideal to be used as a distribution amplifier since it had professional specifications and packaged in a small pack at affordable fees.

There are four headphone outputs on the front panel helping you to monitor and control the system effectively.

The stereo headphone 1/4-inch TRS output jacks are used for delivering high-quality sounds.

What We Like about The Device

We love the four headphone outputs on the front panel made to help you monitor and control the device effectively.

The 1/4 – inch TRS output jacks are unreliable and do not correctly fit the device as there is poor contact with the system.

There is no ON / OFF switch because you have to unplug it to put it off and vice versa.

The LED shows a little bright red light to indicate that it is ON, etc.

The AC power adapter produces a continuous shrilling noise that interferes with other devices.

Pyle-Pro PHA40 4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier is made for persons desiring to have a headphone distribution amplifier, with professional designs in a small package at an affordable price. It is user-friendly and worth buying.

Sony PHA1A Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amplifier with silver colour had a sleek design and made of the durable aluminum enclosure for dependable performance with a built-in Lithium-ion battery that can last for six hours after a full charge. You can even charge it while listening and enjoying melodious tunes with your headphone. This amplifier is lightweight and portable and supports PCM audio up to 192 kHz / 24 bit, as it provides a direct digital connection for smartphones, DMPs, iOS devices, and PCs.

Portable Hi-Res DAC / Headphone Amplifier has flexible headphone support, which is a two position, side mounted gain switch helping you to optimize amplifier output level to suit fluctuating headphone impedances from 8 Ohms to 600 Ohms. There is a micro-USB cable for PC and Mac, digital connecting cables for your Walkman and Xperia, one protective sheet, and two mounting bands. Additionally, you can use the silicone belts to fasten these portable devices to your waist conveniently.

This portable headphone amplifier has an aluminum enclosure making it durable and dependable.

There is a direct digital connection for smartphones, DMPs, iOS devices, and even PCs.

Sony PHA1A Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amplifier has micro-USB and digital cables for your Walkman and Xperia, and with the silicone belts, you can fasten it to your waist conveniently.

What We Like about This Headphone Amp

We love the aluminum enclosure used in safeguarding the delicate electric circuit or motherboard thereby making it durable and dependable, also the silicone belt used in fastening it to your waist is very fantastic.

Pros

The headphone amp is lightweight and portable and supports PCM audio up to 192 kHz/ 24 bit.

There is a built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that can last for about six hours.

There is flexible headphone amplifier supports headphone impedance from 8 to 600 Ohms.

Cons

Hi-Res DAC/ Headphone amp scratches easily.

The headset amp is not as powerful as indicated.

It does not charge your device when in use and if you continue listening for a long time your battery will be exhausted.

Sony PHA1A Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amplifier is made for persons that want to have a portable and durable headphone amp with multiple connections options and high-quality amplification circuits. It is user-friendly and worth buying.

This is a 4-channel stereo headphone amplifier for studio and stage appliances. Behringer MicroAmp HA400 is ideal for tracking more than one musician at once, and if a group of persons wants to listen to a playback, then you need a monitor distribution system. This headphone amp can correctly function as it is compact, flexible, and can power about four pairs of headphones with four separate volumes. Moreover, you will enjoy highest audio quality using all the headphones even at the peak of their volumes as each channel has phone level control.

The components of the amp are high quality and rugged fabrication enhancing its durability. You will also find ultra-low noise 4580 operational amplifiers built-in to strengthen full-scale audio performance. These types of amps are found in regular-size audio equipment, and a DC 12-Volt adapter is added to the system.

It delivers highest audio quality with all types of headsets at max volume.

Behringer is an ultra-compact headphone amplifier ideal for studio and stage performances

Benefits

You will enjoy a maximum audial quality with almost all types of earphones even at maximum volume.

There is four independent stereo high-power amplifier sections ideal for tracking more than one musician at once.

This headphone amp can power four pairs of headphones with four independent volumes enabling a group of persons to listen to a playback.

What We Like about the Device

What we love about the earphone amplifier is that it can power four pairs of headphones with four separate volumes making it possible for a group of persons to listen to playback at once.

Pros

Behringer MicroAmp HA400 is compact, flexible, and portable.

It offers you phone level control per channel.

The headset is ideal for studio and stage applications.

There is a DC 12 V adapter included in the package.

Cons

There is no ON/OFF switch.

It does not amplify any sound as it made volume lower with a lot of distortions.

The headphone produces a mono signal, and you can only hear on one side.

Behringer MicroAmp HA400 is made for individuals that want to track more than one musician and if you're going to listen to a playback together as a group at once. It is user-friendly and worth buying.

FiiO A1 Silver Portable Headphone Amp A1 is a new generation exquisite design device with modern appearance and ergonomic contours. It is a portable headset amplifier using a sandblasted aluminum alloy or anodized aluminum chassis with four equalizer modes. There is three-colour status LED, signifying EQ settings and battery status respectively. With this setting, you will be able to know the operational status at a glimpse. The functional buttons like volume controls are made of Alps micro switches enhancing sensitive and reliable setups.

A1 Headphone Amp uses a rechargeable Lithium polymer battery providing approximately 13 hours of constant playtime after a full charge. In measurements, it is barely 1.5-inch square and less than 10 mm thick. If you need some help in the sound section using your smartphones and laptop computers, then A1 is an ideal companion that can offer you the desired acoustic and audio effects. The most striking feature of this earpiece amplifier is that it can be charged during use.

Main Features

This headphone amplifier is compact and portable.

FiiO A1 Silver headset can be charged during usage, and it has four EQ modes.

It is a self-powered amplifier.

The body material is made of anodized aluminum chassis.

Benefits

This earpiece amp is using a sandblasted aluminum alloy or anodized aluminum chassis with four equalizer modes in functioning.

The functional buttons are made of Alps micro switches promoting sensitive and reliable setups.

A1 Headphones is an ideal companion if you need some help in your audio department with your smartphones and laptop computers.

What We Like about this Product

An excellent feature of this earphone amplifier we love is the functional buttons made of Alps micro switches that can promote sensitive and reliable setups and most importantly, it is a constant companion that can help you if you desire an improvement in your sound section using smartphones and laptop computers as the case may be.

Monoprice 611502 Mini Headphone Amplifier for Guitar is made for musicians who want to master new skills and practice new songs. You can use this device to provide amplification to the outputs of electric guitars and bass guitars regarded as instrument level devices. A 1/4-inch TS plug connects directly into your instrument’s production, but it has a 3.5 mm TRS output for listening with headphones. You can even use another 3.5 mm TRS auxiliary input and connect an additional sound source like an MP3 player. The sound from the Aux jack is mixed with the tunes from the guitar enabling you to play along with a pre-programmed recording.

There is a ‘tube overdrive’ sound produced by the amplifier causing distortions and delay suggestive and significant with classic rock performances. Other relevant features on the amp are volume controls and analog Gain tone. At normal levels, there must be a distortion sound in the system connoting that the hissing or shrilling sound effect at the background is expected despite standard volume controls. Monoprice uses two AAA batteries, which are not included in the package.

You can connect to a sound source such as an MP3 player using a 3.5 mm TRS auxiliary input.

You can mix the sound from an Aux jack with the audio from the guitar and play along with an existing recording.

What We Like about This Device

We love the idea of Monoprice earphone amp amplifying the sound outputs of your bass guitars and electric guitars and you can it to an MP3 player using a 3.5 mm TRS auxiliary input.

Pros

The tube overdrive sound produced by the amplifier causes distortions and delay typical of classic rock music.

The device is lightweight and portable.

There are volume controls and analog gain tones in the amplifier.

Cons

There is no tonal quality at all.

It produces a loud squeal buzz effect.

The ¼- inch guitar input came loose, and the headphone jack is not always working.

Monoprice Mini Headphone Amplifier is made for musicians and especially guitarists who want to boost the sound of their bass and electric guitars using this device. It is user-friendly and worth buying.

General Buying Guide for Portable Headphone Amps

There are continuous evolutions and transformations in the natures of things because scientific inventions and technological advancements in virtually every facet of human endeavours are rife. Many years ago, we only had varieties of earphones, but today we are talking about headphone amps, and they function just the way you use amplifiers in boosting the sound effects of your regular musical equipment. You may still be wondering how a portable and compact device like an earphone could have an amp. This is to give a greater audio effect to your listening experience on the go.

However, you may want to find out how to choose high-quality earphone amplifiers that can boost the audio effects of your earpiece. Here are some striking features you need to know if you want to get the right match for your headphone such as

The Type of Headphone

The type of headphone you will be using with this amp should be considered if you want to get a high-quality product that can suit your musical needs. There are open headphones, closed headphones, and semi-open ones. These open earphones with exposed backs use more electrical power in functioning while closed back headphones require less energy in operating. The reason is due to varied applications used in configuring both headsets, although they are wireless. Closed-back headphones are headsets that are sealed entirely around the back but have an outlet for sound to get into your ears. Then, semi-open headphones are not too familiar as they are made for studio use only to suit specific needs.

The Size of the Device

Consider the size of the earphone amp you want to buy and decide whether it is for studio projects or a portable one that you can use for listening to music anywhere before making a buying decision. The reason is that there are various sizes on the market such as the desktop headphone amps and portable earphone amps. You may want a desktop amp that could be used with your PCs for mixing and recording sounds, and they are more significant than the portable ones. However, the portable amps can fit into your pockets with your earphones easily. Therefore, make your decisions carefully to avoid buying mistakes.

The Cost

Another critical factor to consider as you decide to purchase an earphone amp is the cost. There are various prices for you to choose from but try to find out if the product you are settling for will take care of your audio needs to avoid regrets later. Most of the time, the more expensive devices are sophisticated and have advanced features and functionalities than the less costly ones.

The Audio Effect

The audio effect is a factor in assessing if you are looking for a good quality headset. Most of them come with bass boost, but it depends on your music preference. Another reason to consider the audio effect is if you are going to be using it for studio projects, then, ensure that it is up to your standard.

3 FAQs about Portable Headphone Amps

We know there are a lot of issues in your mind about these portable headphone amps. Some of these queries could range from the features of the products to their functionalities and much more. Let answer some of the frequently asked questions we have collated so far, such as

Can an earpiece have an amp?

An earpiece can have an amp if the sound quality is low due to certain circumstances like the impedance level of the headset. Moreover, a headphone amp is a device with incredible potentials that can drive the little speakers built-into your earphone and boost the sound significantly. Therefore, you can purchase this device and connect it to your earpiece using the auxiliary jacks to enjoy improved audio effects.

What is the purpose of a headphone amp?

The primary purpose of constructing a headphone amp is to give more power to your headsets by increasing the signal quality and even the acoustic effects of your music.

What features can make you say a headphone amp is the best?

The features that can make a headphone amp to be rated as the best is if it can serve the purposes for which it was made. These purposes are to give more powers to headphones and increase their sound qualities simultaneously.

Our Top Pick of Best Portable Headphone Amp

Portable Headphone Amps are relevant for audiophiles and music-loving persons that want to enjoy high-quality tunes with their headphones. After carefully analyzing the essential features of the 10 best portable headphone amps in 2018, our top pick is FiiO E12 Mont Blanc Portable Headphone Amplifier. The body material is made of aluminum making it capable of withstanding abrasions, and it functions with a Lithium-ion battery, which can be fully charged within three hours even with a laptop. This headphone amplifier functions with earphones having an impedance level of about 32 Ohms as it adds bass and volume to sounds and fits into the pocket easily hence, it is portable.

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